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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
The Synthesis of RGD-functionalized Hydrogels as a Tool for Therapeutic Applications
Published on: October 7, 2016
Dual-functional injectable adhesive hydrogel delivering ginger-derived doxorubicin vesicles for osteosarcoma
Qiang Zhang1,2,3,4, Yu Zhang1,2,3,4, Hui Chen1,2,3,4
1Department of Lung Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
Introduction:
Elderly osteosarcoma patients often face significant postoperative challenges, including high recurrence rates and delayed wound healing. These issues are primarily due to inadequate hemostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated microenvironmental inhibition, and compromised bone regeneration. This study aims to address these challenges by introducing a multifunctional adhesive hydrogel designed for synergistic therapy.
Methods:
The hydrogel consists of carboxymethyl chitosan methacryloyl (CMCSMA) and tannic acid (TA), which form a dynamic, crosslinked polymer network capable of rapid tissue adhesion and adaptability to moist wound environments. The hydrogel incorporates ginger vesicles (GVs) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), offering a dual therapeutic approach. The system facilitates hemostasis through physical barrier formation and activation of coagulation factors, while GVs and DOX provide controlled release for ROS scavenging, reduction of inflammation, and targeted tumor cell elimination.
Results:
In vitro experiments demonstrated the hydrogel's ability to efficiently remove ROS and promote osteogenic differentiation. In a rat osteosarcoma resection model, the hydrogel significantly shortened hemostasis time compared to conventional sponges, reduced tumor recurrence, and accelerated wound healing.
Discussion:
This study presents a multifunctional hydrogel that combines hemostasis, antioxidation, tissue repair, and recurrence prevention. The findings suggest that this integrated therapeutic approach holds substantial potential for clinical application in elderly osteosarcoma treatment, addressing critical postoperative challenges and improving patient outcomes.
Insights
This study introduces a novel hydrogel for elderly osteosarcoma patients, improving hemostasis, reducing recurrence, and accelerating wound healing through synergistic therapy. The advanced material addresses key postoperative challenges for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Oncology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Elderly osteosarcoma patients experience poor surgical outcomes, including high recurrence and slow healing.
- Inadequate hemostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and poor bone regeneration complicate postoperative recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional adhesive hydrogel for synergistic therapy in elderly osteosarcoma patients.
- To address challenges of hemostasis, ROS inhibition, and bone regeneration post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- A hydrogel was formulated using carboxymethyl chitosan methacryloyl (CMCSMA) and tannic acid (TA).
- Ginger vesicles (GVs) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) were incorporated for controlled release of therapeutic agents.
- The hydrogel's adhesive properties and therapeutic effects were evaluated in vitro and in a rat osteosarcoma model.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel demonstrated efficient ROS scavenging and promoted osteogenic differentiation in vitro.
- In vivo, the hydrogel significantly improved hemostasis, reduced tumor recurrence, and accelerated wound healing compared to controls.
- The system provided physical hemostasis and activated coagulation factors.
Conclusions:
- This multifunctional hydrogel offers a promising integrated therapeutic approach for elderly osteosarcoma treatment.
- The study highlights the potential for improved clinical application and patient outcomes in challenging postoperative scenarios.
